Coming Together/Coming Apart: A History of the Korean War

Douglas is out and Matthew is in. Will the Korean War continue on as it has without it's American Hero at the helm?

I forgot to mention this last week, but there is not a full episode this week. Take the time you would spend listening to this podcast and spend it with someone you care about. (I'll count it if you choose to spend it with yourself.) It's been a difficult year, and it's an achievement to just make it through.

If you have a book recommendation you think I should check out, please find me on social media (@CTCApodcast pretty much everywhere) or rocket an email my way ([email protected]).

Happy holidays, and I'll be back with Episode 27 next week!

Old soldiers never die; they just fade away.

Bye-bye, Douglas MacArthur. You're 5000 candles in the wind.

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By February, 1951, everyone was tired. The men, the vehicles, just all...tired. And cold. A bit of a rest was required, but, as always, there's no rest for the wicked. Combat would pick back up again in no time at all.

As 1950 rolls over to 1951, the Korean War continues on. The Chinese and North Koreans continue their drive down the Peninsula, attempting to push the imperialists and traitors out of the Land of the Morning Calm. The United Nations forces withdraw....and withdraw again....and withdraw again....trading space for time in a bid to stop the Communist onslaught.

On November 23rd, the fighting men of the UN celebrated their first Thanksgiving in Korea. Just a few days later, they would begin the long march south. Elsewhere, US Marines fought the Chinese and the Cold at "Frozen Chosin."

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The month of November went well for United Nations forces in Korea, until it didn't.

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On October 19th, 1950, Chinese troops crossed the Yalu River into Korea. Why did the Chinese decide to intervene? Why did these Chinese soldiers fight as "volunteers?" How much time did Mao spend agonizing over this monumental decision?

In the first week of October, South Korean and United Nations forces separately crossed the 38th Parallel, invading North Korea. Their targets were Wonsan and Pyongyang, that would both fall within ten days of the crossings. Around the same time, the Supreme Commander meets his Commander-in-Chief and makes a most unfortunate promise.

After their massive success at Inchon and on the Pusan Perimeter, the UN Forces were finally backing away from the brink of disaster. That role was now held by the North Koreans, who were retreating as fast as they could back across the 38th Parallel. The big question now was: would they be followed by the South Koreans and their American allies?